PEMBROKE Dock’s Criterion Quay has secured £213,000 from the UK Government as part of a £3.3 million investment into 16 Industrial Strategy Zone projects.

Of this £3.3 million investment, £638,000 will support three Celtic Freeport schemes aimed at clearing development bottlenecks.

The £213,000 allocated to Pembroke Dock will fund technical assessments to support floating offshore wind O&M infrastructure.

Talbot Wharf, Port Talbot gets £265,000 for land remediation works to improve the viability of development sites for floating offshore wind supply chain occupiers. £160,000 goes towards Port Talbot Marine Infrastructure, funding feasibility and design work for refurbishing two jetties to support future import and export activity.

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government said:

“From offshore wind manufacturing on the Humber to new clean energy facilities in Pembrokeshire, this backing for our freeports will generate real economic growth across the country.”

“By tackling the barriers that developers face early on, we’re helping to unlock significant private investment and create thousands of good jobs in clean energy and advanced manufacturing,” he added.

The Celtic Freeport is dedicated to industrial renewal, fostering green economic growth, advancing skills development and revitalising manufacturing in Wales. Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO, said:

“Today marks a significant milestone for Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot. Three projects have secured UK Government funding to accelerate the Celtic Freeport’s vision, investing in new port infrastructure to support floating offshore wind and green transition developments on the horizon.

Pembrokeshire County Council has welcomed this accelerator grant, which Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller believes will enable Pembroke and the wider county to drive meaningful economic growth across the region.

”This investment in our Freeport represents an important step forward for both Pembroke Dock and our Freeport journey,” he said.